DEPARTING fans’ favourite Wilfred Bouma intends to play on for another “three or four years” after bidding a fond farewell to the Villa faithful.

Bouma has been made available for a free transfer after failing to turn out for the first team since he severely dislocated his ankle two years ago.

Ideally, the 32-year-old Dutch left-back hopes to find another Premier League club or alternatively return to Holland to finish his career.

“I will definitely be looking out for Villa and checking the scores and there’s no doubt I will return to the club to watch some games,” said Bouma.

“When I quit football – and I’m aiming to play another three or four years – I will be looking to come back to Birmingham. I have some friends here and I like the area. Villa will always stay with me.”

Bouma wanted to address the Villa Park masses when he was paraded on the pitch at half-time in Villa’s last-day defeat to Blackburn.

But the former PSV Eindhoven defender decided against giving a speech in case he was overwhelmed and broke down in tears.

“It was emotional at half-time during the Blackburn game saying goodbye to the fans – that was hard, trust me,” said Bouma.

“I couldn’t say a thing. I wanted to talk on the microphone and address the tremendous supporters but I just couldn’t do it.

“I think I would have been choked up and it would have been hard not to drop a couple of tears.”

Bouma reckons the goodwill he received from supporters kept him going during his gruelling recovery from the serious injury he sustained against Odense in July 2008.

“The fans will always hold a special place in my heart,” he added.

“They were one of the guiding lights in me getting fit again. The encouragement they gave me was incredible.

“It didn’t matter how long I was out injured, they were always there for me, cheering for me, asking how I was. I am so grateful for that.

“I was so happy to become a fans’ favourite – that was genuinely so special. To be a hero gave me such a buzz. Chanting my name and singing songs about me was tremendous and I am so honoured.”